At home in Southern Germany, the passionate stock exchange expert has been accompanying the capital markets for about twenty years. With a soft spot for smaller companies, he is constantly on the lookout for exciting investment stories. That it depends thereby less on large names, but on the future potential and whether the market also recognizes these perspectives, was one of its first learnings at the stock exchange.
On these pages, Nico examines current events at listed companies and takes a closer look at companies that are traded under the radar of the market, in addition to well-known securities.
In order to be able to take advantage of speculative opportunities on the stock exchange, Nico not only focuses on a balanced asset allocation of defensive and opportunity-oriented securities, but also on an intact risk management. "In addition to position size and entry in several tranches, investors should also develop a sense of timing and get to know a stock better before investing," says the columnist.
Commented by Nico Popp
Commented by Nico Popp on March 20th, 2026 | 08:15 CET
Defense Boom on Shaky Ground: Antimony Resources Reaps the Benefits, Risks at RTX and Olin
The defense industry is celebrating record orders, but supply chains for key raw materials reveal a structural weakness: the current defense boom is thus built on shaky ground. One example is the availability of the semimetal antimony. The US Geological Survey classifies antimony as a critical raw material, as there are no alternatives for its applications in modern defense technology. China controls an estimated 60 to 70% of global primary production and has recently dominated downstream processing through strict export controls on dual-use goods. This geopolitical instrumentalization of the raw material led to a price rally in which, according to media reports, antimony rose from USD 13,500 per ton in April 2024 to nearly USD 60,000 per ton at times. Rising prices are forcing the West to shift its focus to the beginning of the supply chain. Investors should shift their attention from the defense industry's multi-billion-dollar order books to securing raw materials, as the industry's giants depend on the development of secure North American deposits. This is where the still-small but promising company Antimony Resources comes into play.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 19th, 2026 | 07:45 CET
Modern Warfare: Can Volatus Aerospace Compete with Industry Leaders Rheinmetall and DroneShield?
The defense industry has been booming for years - that is hardly news anymore. In 2025, global defense spending reached USD 2.63 trillion. In their latest studies, analysts at Forecast International predict that this annual spending will rise slightly by the end of 2026 and reach USD 2.9 trillion by the end of the decade. At the NATO summit in The Hague in 2025, the Allies committed to increasing their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035, with 1.5% specifically earmarked for innovation. In a report, McKinsey highlights the shift from platform-centric hardware toward software-defined warfare and cost-effective, replaceable mass-produced systems. While industry giants like Rheinmetall still rely heavily on traditional defense equipment, DroneShield is addressing the growing niche of drone defense. Volatus Aerospace is leveraging its long-standing civilian expertise with drones and is coming into focus as a supplier to NATO forces.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 18th, 2026 | 07:35 CET
Consolidation in the Gold Sector: Solid Returns with Newmont and Barrick – Top Opportunity Lahontan Gold
The gold market has entered a new phase in recent months. With gold prices stabilizing above the USD 5,000 per ounce mark and occasionally reaching peaks of up to USD 6,300, the environment for commodity investments has fundamentally changed. Top-tier jurisdictions have become an absolute necessity for investors and mining companies alike, especially given the current geopolitical landscape. Nevada, which has taken the top spot globally in the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index, is considered the premier destination for investors. While Newmont and Barrick Mining dominate operational production by volume through their Nevada Gold Mines joint venture, Lahontan Gold is increasingly coming into focus amid a wave of consolidation. As established mining operators face declining ore grades, Lahontan offers an ideal combination of infrastructure maturity and exploration leverage with its Santa Fe project. A closer look at the business models shows how these companies are positioning themselves to benefit from the current market cycle.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 18th, 2026 | 07:25 CET
Focus on Copper and PGMs: A Solid Foundation with Ivanhoe and Sibanye – Analyst Favorite Power Metallic Mines
Decarbonization and AI-driven digital infrastructure are driving demand for platinum group metals (PGMs) and copper. Modern data centers use approximately 27 metric tons of copper per megawatt of installed capacity. According to S&P Global, a global supply shortfall of 10 million metric tons of copper is looming by 2040. In this environment, industry giants such as Ivanhoe Mines and Sibanye-Stillwater are benefiting from their massive production capacities and supplying the industry. For investors seeking exceptional returns, however, the Canadian explorer Power Metallic Mines is coming into focus. The company is exploring a polymetallic system in Québec that, according to a detailed analysis by GBC Research, is likely to undergo a significant revaluation. Using examples of major producers, we explain why Power Metallic is active in an attractive sector and what opportunities the stock offers.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 17th, 2026 | 08:00 CET
AI and Nuclear Power: Solid Returns with Meta and Intel – High-Flying Opportunity: Standard Uranium
Future economic growth will depend heavily on the availability of reliable, low-carbon baseload power. The high energy demands of technology companies driven by AI innovations are contributing to a renewed interest in nuclear power. The reasons go far beyond previous environmental visions. As studies by McKinsey and PwC show, the AI industry is growing by 15 to 20% annually through 2030. To avoid falling behind, companies like Meta and Intel are investing billions in a completely new AI infrastructure. Through partnerships with players like Oklo and TerraPower, Meta is driving the development of a 6.6 GW nuclear campus to operate its AI superclusters in a climate-neutral manner. Intel is focusing on optimizing energy efficiency directly at the chip level, as the power consumption of modern racks has risen to up to 120 kW. To satisfy the hunger for nuclear fuel, Standard Uranium is driving the search for tomorrow's safe deposits forward with its ambitious winter drilling program. For investors, the current trend offers opportunities - we show where the greatest leverage lies.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 17th, 2026 | 06:50 CET
Energy for the AI Era: The Outlook for RE Royalties, Clearway Energy, and RWE
The financing of energy projects is becoming increasingly important due to crises and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), energy consumption by data centers could rise to 945 TWh by 2030, while McKinsey expects investments of nearly seven trillion USD in US infrastructure. This is also forcing industry to accelerate the expansion of electricity generation capacity. Three companies have positioned themselves in this dynamic landscape. While RWE is betting big on renewable energy through global investments in offshore wind farms, Clearway Energy focuses on operating wind and solar farms in the US. Clearway secures reliable cash flows through contracts with global corporations. The Canadian company RE Royalties, on the other hand, acts as a financing partner that benefits from the expansion of energy infrastructure while avoiding the operational risks of a direct plant operator. The fact that all of the companies mentioned are thriving in the current environment is underscored by the Inflation Reduction Act in the US and the latest market reforms in the EU. Reason enough to take a closer look at the market from an investor's perspective.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 16th, 2026 | 07:35 CET
Ammunition shortages pressure the defense industry: Opportunity for Almonty, challenges for General Dynamics and Rheinmetall
Our global security architecture has been undergoing significant disruptions for some time. The decades-long paradigm of the peace dividend, built on global supply chains and reduced stockpiles, has largely collapsed. The defense industry now faces the challenge of establishing reliable supply chains for critical raw materials in order to meet the growing demand for artillery ammunition and heavy weapon systems. Another driver is the war in Iran. According to a report by the Financial Times, the conflict has decimated US ammunition stockpiles to such an extent that the Pentagon is already warning of shortages of certain munitions. To replenish these inventories, the US government is planning a supplemental budget of around USD 50 billion. In this environment, the US defense contractor General Dynamics is helping maintain the operational readiness of NATO partners through production of ammunition, while Rheinmetall, as a European systems provider, is also expanding its capacities. However, the crucial foundation for this production is the critical metal tungsten. The only significant Western supplier, Almonty Industries, therefore plays a key role - potentially opening up unique opportunities for investors.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 16th, 2026 | 07:25 CET
Energy Crisis Drives Agricultural Transformation: Opportunities in MustGrow Biologics, K+S, and Corteva Agriscience
Agriculture is at a turning point. The reason is the renewed escalation in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas shipments and significant volumes of fertilizer-related trade pass, represents one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. The resulting instability has pushed energy prices higher and stalled the production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Since natural gas is the base raw material for fertilizer production, agricultural companies and farmers must rethink their strategies. In this environment, agricultural innovation will play a crucial role in securing future food supply. Companies such as K+S and Corteva Agriscience are responding to cost pressures in energy raw materials, while MustGrow Biologics is attracting attention with biological solutions that could reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 13th, 2026 | 07:15 CET
Investing in the hydrogen revolution: Solid returns with Pure One, Nel, and Ballard Power
The hydrogen economy is coming of age. After years of political debate and countless industry prototypes and visions, the sector is now entering a phase of industrial maturity. Industry experts describe the current year as decisive, as projects with solid economics are now separating themselves from purely politically driven initiatives. While Norwegian pioneer Nel is building the infrastructure for green hydrogen at gigawatt scale through mass production of highly efficient electrolysers, Ballard Power Systems is delivering solutions for emission-free heavy-duty and passenger transport with proven fuel cell modules. The Australian company Pure One Corporation covers the entire value chain. With its "end-to-end ecosystem," the company bridges the gap between production and application, enabling seamless adoption of CO2-free logistics solutions. Investors are in an exciting phase in which hydrogen is being reevaluated as an energy source for industry.
Read
Commented by Nico Popp on March 12th, 2026 | 07:15 CET
Nuclear power comeback in the EU! Solid returns with American Atomics, Amazon, and E.ON
Since the EU nuclear summit in Paris a few days ago, it has become clear that nuclear energy is once again socially acceptable in Europe. At the meeting, the European Commission described the former move away from nuclear power as a strategic mistake and launched a comprehensive offensive for small modular reactors (SMRs). According to the EU strategy, an SMR capacity of up to 53 GW is to be built up by 2050 in order to reduce the persistently high electricity prices and stop the impending exodus of industry. At the same time, a new factor is driving global electricity demand: artificial intelligence (AI). The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the share of nuclear and renewable energy in the global electricity mix will rise to 50% by 2030. Tech giants such as Amazon increasingly want to satisfy the energy hunger of AI data centers themselves. E.ON is also likely to benefit from this historic strategic shift by operating stable grids. However, at the source of the new boom is the up-and-coming exploration company American Atomics, which is searching for urgently needed uranium and closing a strategic gap in the supply chain. We highlight where investors can find the most attractive opportunities.
Read